On the eighteenth day of the third month in Jinghe Year Sixteen, outside East Flower Gate, the sun slanted westward, and apricot blossoms covered half a wall.
Xie Lin was enjoying a rare idle moment at home, admiring several pots of newly planted orchids in the courtyard with Xu Shi.
Suddenly, a commotion rose at the mouth of the alley, followed by pounding on the gate.
"Reader-in-Waiting Xie! Reader-in-Waiting Xie! Someone has come from the palace!"
Xu Shi hurried to open the gate.
Outside stood a round-faced eunuch, with two Little Yellow Gate Eunuchs behind him holding a pair of gilt trays.
The leading eunuch's smile creased his entire face. Upon seeing Xu Shi, he first bent a knee in greeting:
"My respects, madam! Congratulations, madam! Joy to you, madam!"
"And you are, sir...?"
"This servant is an Imperial Attendant of the Eastern Palace, serving at His Highness's side. Everyone calls this servant Little Fuzi." The eunuch smiled until his eyes narrowed to slits.
"Today, by His Highness's command, I have come to bring Reader-in-Waiting Xie...
"No, Military Intelligence Officer Xie, good tidings!"
Hearing the voices, Xie Lin strolled out of the courtyard.
"Reader-in-Waiting Xie, receive the decree!" Little Fuzi cleared his throat, then smiled like a blossoming flower again.
"Oh, never mind receiving the decree. Let this servant speak plainly!
"His Highness said: though military intelligence officer is an assigned post, once His Highness's golden lips have spoken, it shall carry the standing of Subordinate Fifth Rank!"
"Look!" He stepped aside and pointed to the two trays behind him. "A Fifth Rank scarlet robe and a Silver Fish Pouch!
"Vice Director Wei personally instructed the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau to select the fabric!
"Feel it. This cloud brocade woven in Jiangning-not many at court enjoy such distinction!"
As he spoke,